9-2 Tempo ready to set Essex pace.

Byline: Jonathan Kay

THE Coral Essex Vase reaches the semi-final stage over 575m at Romford tonight (live in Coral betting shops) with Friday's heats having asked as many questions as they answered.

Some performances were more impressive on the eye than the clock, and vice versa, with the result that picking winners looks anything but straightforward.

However, there are some potentially tasty prices on offer (betting, page 97) beginning with the 9-2 about Eye Onthe Tempo in the opener at 8.35. Mark Wallis's charge was ultimately all out when winning his heat, but inside looks the place to be with Noelles Rapido in four unlikely to do any favours to Bubbly Totti and Droopys Carvalho on his outer.

Hemstal Girl, denied the early lead by Eye Onthe Tempo last week, has better claims in the second semi at 8.53 than dismissive quotes of 16-1 might suggest. Dave Mullins's bitch is very decent - has a 35.53sec (+30) win to her credit - when able to dominate and there are definite possibilities of her doing so this evening.

The third semi at 9.09 is nigh on impossible, but Boolavogue is suggested in the hope that a pace battle up front sets it up for Chris Cronin's strong-finisher.

Elsewhere, Platinumlancelot is the star attraction on the Harlow card and Jason Foster's charge can put his Irish trials and tribulations behind him by taking the 8.00 over 415m hurdles having dipped inside the track record in a workout last week.

Indigo King (9.12) is best at Coventry, while Richard Yeates can land an SIS double at Swindon courtesy of Jolly Poacher (7.02) and Melodys Comet (8.52). Recommendations Eye Onthe Tempo 1pt 9-2 Betfred, Paddy Power Romford 8.35 Hemstal Girl 1pt 16-1 general Romford 8.53